Blue Lights fans have been given a peek at the hotly anticipated third series, with the BBC teasing that "the gang are back".

The crime drama - which is based at the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast - is returning for a third run after becoming a huge hit with TV viewers, with fans hailing it as "brilliant" and the "best show ever".

In the run up to its release, a raft of first look images from the series have been unveiled.

READ MORE: GMB host Adil Ray reveals he's received 'violent threats' after 'horrendous' attacks

READ MORE: Emmerdale fans fume over 'cruelest twist ever done' after chilling Mack scene

The snaps show Blue Lights favourites including Grace (Sian Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), Tommy (Nathan Braniff) and Stevie Neill (Martin McCann), as well as two newcomers.

Boiling Point's Cathy Tyson will star as Dana Morgan, a private club owner, and Bad Sisters' Michael Smiley has been case as new intelligence officer Paul ‘Colly’ Collins.

"A group of response officers are thrust into a sinister world hidden behind the veneer of middle-class life, the world of the accountants and lawyers who facilitate organised crime," said a description of the show.

"The old political and criminal order has gone and a new global gang rule Belfast, bringing danger closer to home for our officers than ever before.

"Watch the new series of #BlueLights, coming soon to #iPlayer."

Fans were excited to hear the news, with several posting messages in the comments section admitting they "can't wait" for the next instalment of the police procedural.

"Brilliant programme," one said, as another called it the "best show ever". "I’m so excited I’m like jittery," confessed one excited viewer.

"Such a great show," said someone else, as another gushed: "Bloody great show!!" "FANTASTIC. One of the best TV dramas going," remarked another. "YASSS FINALLY!" exclaimed someone else.

Blue Lights started in 2023 and was a huge hit, both in the ratings and with viewers, and a second series followed last year. The BBC commissioned the upcoming third series - and a fourth - before the second season even aired.

Lindsay Salt, BBC director of drama, said at the time: “We were bowled over by the reaction to Blue Lights and I’m really pleased to be confirming our commitment to bring two more series of our beloved Belfast drama to air."

Blue Lights airs on the BBC.